NY Mets: 5 key thoughts on a trade for All-Star Jose Ramirez

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Thoughts on a possible New York Mets trade to bring Jose Ramirez to Flushing. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

The quickly approaching MLB offseason should be a source of hope and optimism for fans of the New York Mets. Last year at this time, owner Steve Cohen was just getting settled into his new role.

Now, the wealthiest owner in the league has had an entire season to assess and plot a direction for the franchise’s future. All parties in New York’s front office have expressed the intention to compete for a championship. The next major question surrounds how the Mets will build their 2022 roster.

There is no shortage of combinations built around current Mets, free agents, or possible trade candidates. One potential star trade target is particularly interesting for New York’s current core: Cleveland All-Star Jose Ramirez.

Would a player like Ramirez be a good fit for the Mets? Here are five key thoughts:

1) The Mets and Cleveland franchise have a recent rapport

It’s difficult to make a blockbuster trade in any sport. It takes the perfect combination of a rebuilding franchise looking to move a star player and a contender willing to give up assets. In MLB, the equation is further muddied by prospects, less valuable draft picks, and a huge discrepancy in payroll between clubs.

The front office executives in New York and Cleveland proved their compatibility during last offseason’s blockbuster involving Francisco Lindor. Fast forward one year, and both teams are once again in a similar position.

The Mets are still seeking a splash acquisition that will boost the franchise into postseason contention. Cleveland on the other hand is still seeking to unload its best player for prospects and young players.

The specifics of a potential deal would be difficult for each side to determine. But their experience working together is a plus.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – JULY 30: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians and Francisco Lindor #12 walk off the field after the end of the top of the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field on July 30, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2) Ramirez and Lindor have proven chemistry

This is a key factor in a potential deal. The Mets are no strangers to stars struggling to adjust to NYC. Edwin Diaz looked completely lost in his first year with the team. Lindor also struggled to find his stride during his inaugural season.

We do, however, know that both Lindor and Ramirez are comfortable and confident playing alongside one another. The tandem found great success developing into All-Stars and leading Cleveland to a recent World Series berth.

Not only would a reunion ease the transition for Ramirez, but it could also prove beneficial for Lindor’s second year with the club. Perhaps, both players could capture their 2016 mojo and catapult the Mets into a long playoff run.

3) Ramirez would fix the Mets third base revolving door

The hot corner in New York has been the franchise’s most inconsistent position. JD Davis appeared to be the future solution after a breakout in 2019. Now, he seems much more suited for a bench role.

Jeff McNeil’s arm strength makes him much more suitable as a second baseman or corner outfielder. If he returns to the team as a long-term option. No one else who has manned the position recently is a serious contender anyway.

The Mets have been linked to veterans like Nolan Arenado, Kyle Seager, and others as they try to find their solution. Ramirez would give the franchise a star player to fix their hot corner struggles.

DENVER, CO – JULY 11: Brett Baty #25 of the National League Futures Team bats against the American League Futures Team at Coors Field on July 11, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

4) Top prospect Brett Baty has position flexibility

While the solution to the Mets’ third base woes may not be on their current MLB roster, he may be in their farm system. New York’s top prospect Brett Baty seems poised to be a future star. The former first-round pick has (thankfully) also spent the majority of his amateur and professional career at 3B.

In the event of a trade, this could create a potential logjam at the position. This of course assumes Baty is not included as part of a package for Ramirez.

However, Baty has recently drawn attention for his work across positional lines. He has spent time and effort learning to hold his own as a future option in left field.

Some may argue that NY would be best suited to stick with Baty as their future at the position. And they may be right. However, at the very least, Baty’s work in the outfield makes targeting a player Ramirez a sensible option for the club to consider.

5) The price tag will be high

Many across baseball considered the Lindor blockbuster. tobe a clear steal for New York. Despite the shortstop’s inconsistency during his first season in blue and orange, it is clear that the Mets negotiated well in the deal.

Fans in Flushing should not make the mistake of believing that Ramirez would also come at a reduced rate. While it does make sense for a team like Cleveland to consider trading their star 29-year-old for a package of players that better fit their rebuilding timeline, they are under no pressure to rush a deal.

Next. Options to replace the big 4 Mets free agents

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It is reasonable to expect Cleveland to ask for a young MLB piece, as well as a package of prospects. Perhaps Steve Cohen and the new GM can negotiate a slightly lower price tag. But fans should be aware of the likely cost.

Home / New York Mets News

1) The Mets and Cleveland franchise have a recent rapport

2) Ramirez and Lindor have proven chemistry

3) Ramirez would fix the Mets third base revolving door

4) Top prospect Brett Baty has position flexibility

5) The price tag will be high

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